Kiaat

Common Name(s): Muninga, Kiaat, Mukwa

Scientific Name: Pterocarpus angolensis

Distribution: South-central Africa

Tree Size: 40-60 ft (12-18 m) tall, 1.5-2.5 ft (.5-.8 m) trunk diameter

Average Dried Weight: 38 lbs/ft3 (605 kg/m3)

Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC): .59, .60

Janka Hardness: 1,360 lbf (6,050 N)

Modulus of Rupture: 14,250 lbf/in2 (98.2 MPa)

Elastic Modulus: 1,267,000 lbf/in2 (8.73 GPa)

Crushing Strength: 8,020 lbf/in2 (55.3 MPa)

Shrinkage: Radial: 1.7%, Tangential: 2.8%, Volumetric: 5.4%, T/R Ratio: 1.6

Color/Appearance: Heartwood color can vary widely from a lighter golden brown, to a darker reddish or purplish brown. Colors tend to become more subdued with age.

Grain/Texture: Grain is straight to interlocked. Medium to coarse texture with a low natural luster.

Endgrain: Diffuse-porous; large pores in no specific arrangement, very few; solitary and radial multiples of 2-3; mineral deposits occasionally present; growth rings indistinct; narrow rays not visible without lens, spacing close; parenchyma diffuse-in-aggregates, winged, confluent, and banded (not marginal).

Rot Resistance: Heartwood is rated as being durable to moderately durable; good resistance to insect attack.

Workability: Generally easy to work with tools, though if there is interlocked grain present, it may tearout during planing operations. Moderate blunting effect on cutters. Glues, stains, and finishes well.

Odor: Has a mild, aromatic scent while being worked.

Allergies/Toxicity: Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, Muninga has been reported to cause skin and respiratory irritation, as well as asthma-like symptoms. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information.